Twilight Watch (Sumerechniy Dozor)

Twilight Watch (Sumerechniy Dozor) (2007) by Sergei Lukyanenko

Description: Living among us are the "Others," and ancient race of humans with supernatural powers who must swear allegiance to either the Dark or the Light. A thousand-year treaty has maintained the balance of power between the two sides, but when a renegade Other absconds with a fabled book of spells and appears intent on using it to alter the course of humanity, the forces of Light and Dark must cooperate to stop him.

Anton, the hero from Night Watch, is back, but when the culprit turns out to be an old friend, the race against time becomes more urgent than ever. In a world where reality and magic commingle, and where different degrees of existence are layered one atop the other, nothing is ever quite what it seems.

Review: This book continues where we left Anton and Sveta in Day Watch. They are now a family with the daughter they were destined to have. Although things can never go to easily for them. Mysteries abound and a fabled book is found once more. When their daughter is captured and her life is at stake, they bend the rules a bit, but do find an ally from an enemy. I was completely captivated by the story. I just couldn't put it down. Lukyanenko has definitely created a most intricate world with very specific rules. Sometimes I have to remember back to the other books to remember some detail. In this installment, we get some answers to questions that have been looming, but the ending is ready for another book. I think this series is great and that if you love science fiction, you really should give it a try.

Score: 4 out of 5

Day Watch (Dnevnoi Dozer)

Day Watch (Dnevnoi Dozer) by Sergei Lukyanenko (2007)

Description: The second in a blockbuster series of novels from Russia's most popular science fiction author, Day Watch brings us back into the hyperimaginative world of Sergei Lukyanenko and continues the dramatic battle between good and evil, light and dark, day and night.

Set in modern-day Moscow, the epic saga chronicles the eternal war of the "Others," an ancient race of humans with supernatural powers who must swear allegiance to either the Dark or the Light. The agents of Dark - The Day Watch - keep an eye during the day, while the agents of Light keep watch over the night. For a thousand years a treaty between the two sides has maintained an uneasy balance, but when a very potent artifact is stolen from the Inquisition - an impartial group of Others who keep watch over all - the consequences are dire for both sides.

Day Watch introduces the perspective of the Dark Ones, as it is told in part by a beautiful but troubled young witch.When she falls in love with a handsome young Light One, the balance is threatened and a death must be avenged. Replete with thrilling action and intricate plotting of the first tale, Day Watch is fueled by cunning, cruelty, violence, and magic. It is a fast-paced, darkly humorous, haunting world that will take root in the shadows of your mind and live there forever.

Review: What a great second novel by Lukyanenko. I found myself completely sucked into this world he has created once more. In similar fashion, the second book in the series is comprised of three separate stories that all tie together... and directly to the first. I am completely hooked to this story and can not wait to start the third novel, Twilight Watch. It was great to see the perspective of the Dark Others and see their take on the whole situation. Everything is not as it seems and the decisions are very complex. This was also a refreshing read. It is great to take a break and read some fresh material from another different voice. I am interested to see if anything else by Lukyanenko is translated into English, otherwise I may have to learn Russian just to read more of his work. I highly recommend these novels.

Score: 5 out of 5

Additional Information: Although the second movie in this series by Timur Bekmambetov carries this name, it is actually the story from the first novel, Night Watch.

Bleach Volume 2: Goodbye Parakeet, Good Night My Sister

Bleach Volume 2 (2004) by Tite Kubo

Description: Immediately after checking into the Kurosaki Clinic with a mysterious scar on his back, the muscle-bound Chad goes AWOL. Accompanying Chad is a talking parakeet imbued wit the soul of a young boy named Yuichi. It doesn't take newbie Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki long to surmise that a Hollow must be involved. By far the strongest spirits he's faced to date, Ichigo is about to discover that not every soul is bound for the Soul Society, especially if it's tainted with innocent blood.

Review: The action-packed Bleach is back with more stories of battles with the spirit world. We continue to learn more about soul reapers and how Hollows are made. The story is more interesting and is leading up to more adventure. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Another recommendation for manga fans.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Blood Alone Volume 1

Blood Alone Volume 1 (2006) by Masayuki Takano

Description: Enter Misaki, perhaps the most innocent and most sincere young lady there ever was. It's almost inconceivable that she could be a vampire. And with her powers as a vampire, she could easily entice any human to do her biding... but she chooses not to. Especially when it comes to Kuroe, a young author who has a deep running past with vampires.

Review: This was a strange little book. It felt like we were dropped in the middle of a story but not really given enough information to figure out what was going on. I believe more backstory is given in the next books, but honesty it was a bit strange and I am not sure if I will continue on with it. Blood Alone is at best a bland story.

Score: 2.5 out of 5

Fool Moon

Fool Moon (Book 2 of the Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher

Description: Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is Chicago's only openly practicing wizard. He is also dead broke. His vast knowledge and magical skills are unfortunately matched by his talent for making powerful enemies and alienating friends.

With little more than his integrity left, he accepts an offer of work from Lt. Karin Murphy of Chicago's Special Investigation unit. He wants to redeem himself in Murphy's eyes and make enough money to quiet his rumbling stomach.

Soon he finds himself pinned between trigger-happy FBI agents, shape-shifting motorcycle gang members, a threatened mobster boss, and an heir to an ancient curse along with his primal fiance. Throw in environmental activists and a pair of young werewolves in love and you have something of FOOL MOON.

Review: Another great story from Butcher! I listened to the audio version of the story and it was really great. James Marsters, better known as Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, really was the voice of Harry Dresden. Right from the beginning, I was captivated by the story and just had to keep on reading. The story itself was really interesting. Werewolves in Chicago? I guess stranger things have happened. Just when you thought the story was heading one way, Butcher took you another way. I enjoyed the entire ride and recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a fun, short read.

Score 4.5 out of 5